Max Maeder, from Singapore, describes "flying", or 'driving' a race car and playing chess at speeds up to 80 km/h in the Olympic sailing event's latest competition.

Formula Kite's world champion, aged 17, hopes to be "among those who are more likely than not going to make it in the medal series" based on his performances. However, he warns that "a lot could happen" with the sport.

He told Marseille that he did not see these two events as an attempt to put pressure on the athletes, but rather as proof-of-concept. Kite flying is billed in Marseille as the fastest event of the Games.

I'm representing Singapore, which supports its athletes so well. You can feel their desire to create a sport culture," Maeder said. His mother, who is Singaporean, is his birthplace, while his father, Swiss, is also from Singapore.

Maeder said that foiling is dangerous, but kiters who use helmets and goggles and avoid accidents haven't had many major incidents.

Maeder is a confident and careful speaker. He said, "If I'd been skating for as long as I was kiting, I probably would have hurt myself even more."

Maeder learned to kiteboard at the dive resort of his parents in Sulawesi (Indonesia). He said that he was able build his life around what he enjoys doing.

He added: "I'm a typical teenager. I love to play games, listen to music and enjoy social media. I also like to hang out with my friends.

I like classical music and "oldies but goodies". Maeder said that she has been listening to Bee Gees quite a bit lately.

PUZZLE

Maeder is a part of a group that travels the globe competing in kite competitions.

Martin Dolenc from Croatia is his training partner. Both kiters are coached by Jonny, the father of both.

Maeder, who weighs around 94 kg, says that kiters can't be "too lightweight" to compete in the top division, where riders range from 80 to 110 kilograms.

He said: "You will eat healthy, but you'll do it in large quantities, and your main focus is on training your legs."

Maeder's favourite dish in France would be a classic Singaporean chicken curried, which he hopes his mother will prepare when his parents join him.

I love competing. "I love to compete. I enjoy doing well, and I like improving as much as everyone else. Maeder said, "I may have had a lucky break once or twice but we're all playing this game together."

"I do not see myself as an athlete ambassador. "If I can inspire, I will go to any lengths to achieve that," he said of his sport role.

How does Maeder mentally prepare?

He says that in the online community of chess players, puzzles get more difficult as they improve.

He said, "My superstition says that I will have a good race if the puzzles go well."

Maeder said: "It is a great way to kill time. It's better than browsing social media. But the superstition says that if you do poorly, then you'll be anxious on the water."

Maeder laughed and added: "Maybe it's time to see my future without superstition." Reporting by Alexander Smith, Editing by Ros Russel

(source: Reuters)